Hi everyone! I’m Charlotte, a freshman living in Darnall Hall. Along with views of the National Cathedral and proximity to Epicurean, one of the highlights of living in Darnall has been the sense of community that reverberates through the halls– and through the common room especially.
The common room is not unique to Darnall though! All first year dorms feature a community room on each floor with a kitchen, television, and comfy furniture. Floor meetings and monthly activities like movie and game nights are often held in the common room. I’ve loved meeting new floormates and getting to know my RA better through floor activities. But the possibilities extend beyond organized events!
Late at night, the common room is a great place to study. Not only is there plenty of space to work, but you’ll often meet others also finishing up that lab report or getting in some last-minute geography review. I’ve struck up many a conversation with these impromptu study buddies, sharing what we’re working on (and maybe commiserating a little).
On a relaxed Saturday night, the common room can transform into a fun spot to hang out with friends and meet new people. In a flash, you can assemble a high stakes poker game or form a watch group for the new season of The Bachelor.
Any day of the week, people are cooking delicious things in the common room kitchen. To connect with more people, invite others to cook with you or make a meal for your floor! Just last week, my roommate and I made chocolate chip cookies for our floor– they were gone in minutes.
Hanging out in the common room, you’re bound to meet new people or strengthen the connections you already have. The utilities are great, but the thing that makes it a community room really are the people.
Charlotte (COL ‘27)
Finding Home on the Hilltop 